Picking the right industry, not just the right job, is the biggest factor in how much money most people will make over a working life — a useful reframe for anyone job-hunting or worried about their income.

• The average American holds about a dozen jobs in a lifetime, so hopping every few years without a plan wastes earning years.
• Choosing which industry to be in comes first — a growing industry lifts every job inside it, a shrinking one drags every job down.
• Picking a specialty within that industry comes second — that is what makes you hard to replace.
• Deciding how much you value loyalty comes third — staying put can build value, but only if the first two choices were right.

Outlook: With job security a top worry across the country, expect more people to weigh industry prospects ahead of a single job's title or pay.